Cell phone ban in Bremen schools: students' eyes on each other instead of on displays!

Cell phone ban in Bremen schools: students' eyes on each other instead of on displays!

From August 14, 2025, a new ban on cell phones will come into force in schools in the Bremen city area. The Bremen education authority introduced this ban to counteract the distraction caused by smartphones and smartwatches and to promote students' attention. The rule is intended to encourage students to use breaks to communicate with each other instead of staring at their screens. Senator Sascha Karolin Aulepp from the SPD emphasizes that the decision is based on scientific findings and that the presence of cell phones can affect the concentration of learners even when notifications are deactivated. In this context, Professor Robert Baar from the University of Bremen speaks of the so-called “brain drain effect”, which is caused by the mere presence of a cell phone, even when it is switched off. The city of Bremen is not alone with this approach - Hesse and other federal states are also considering similar measures.

The ban, which affects cell phones and smartwatches, allows students to bring the devices with them, but they must remain in their bags. In Bremerhaven, on the other hand, there will be more individual regulations in consultation with the students, and at upper levels the schools can decide for themselves which rules apply to smartphones. Exceptions can be made for grades 1 to 10, for example for medical reasons.

The opinion of those affected

The reactions to the ban vary. While some young people see it as excessive, Marco Hünecke, chairman of the Bremen Central Parents' Advisory Council, welcomes the regulation. In his opinion, the ban could have a relaxing effect on children and promote communication with each other. However, the decision is no coincidence, as a non-representative survey by Radio Bremen shows that a majority of respondents support a ban on cell phones in schools. Cell phones are already banned in schools in other European countries such as France, Italy and Great Britain.

Another aspect of the ban is illuminated by a new study from the University of Augsburg, which was published in the journal *Education Sciences*. Researchers analyzed five comprehensive studies from different countries and found that banning smartphones improves the social climate and learning performance in schools. Teachers report positive effects on student concentration, while cell phones can also increase the risk of cyberbullying. The ban could therefore create a safer everyday school life for younger students.

The experts' perspective

However, experts like Robert Baar also call for reflection on the use of smartphones in class. He emphasizes that a ban without accompanying educational measures cannot have sufficient effect. It is important to teach students how to use technology responsibly and also to promote the use of smartphones as teaching tools. The requirement that students learn to use cell phones independently as they get older is central to future media literacy.

Given the recent results of the PISA 2022 study, which showed a decline in student performance, the need for clear regulations regarding cell phone use in schools has increased enormously. With the introduction of this cell phone ban, Bremen is taking another step towards an environment that promotes learning.